SBC Holiday Open House

It has become a tradition that SBC leaves it doors open during the annual Harrisonburg Holiday Parade. For many years in a row the shop has been a place to retreat before, during or after the parade. Folks come in to escape the cold or wet conditions that can sometimes grace our valley during the beginning of December. Even during the few years of nice weather folks just stop in to "Hi".  This Friday evening we will be pushing the bikes aside and making room for our friends, so stop by and enjoy some beverage and snacks during the SBC Holiday Open House!

See you this Friday!

The Crew at SBC
-Thomas, Tim, David, Scott, Jason, Stephen, Dillon, Sam, Britney, Jeremy, Ellen

Winter Dreaming

No matter what, the rocks will need to be negotiated.

Winter is the time for dreaming. For my kids it is the dream of what Santa might bring to them if they are good, for me the dream of future trails raps my brain during the winter. With so much of last winter's  time being consumed by flagging the upcoming SVBC RTP grant projects west of town, this winter my mind and body will be exploring the western slopes of Massanutten. For years the western slope's southern boundry was Del Web Drive, then the 2K trail redefined the southern trail limits. Well, let me tell you, 2K is just the beginning of the southern future of the Massanutten trail system.

I have been exploring the area between the Massanutten overlook and Massanutten Peak for the past year. The next few months will hopefully begin the details of trail design. Folks always ask me how do I design trails, well I go about it the old school way of just getting on the ground and exploring. Instead of laying out a design on a map I like wonder the terrain with an open mind, looking for the magical natural elements that could define a trail, think of  Leigton Overlook, the big rock at the bottom of Lairds Nose, the beer cave on 2K, all areas found by just exploring.  These magical areas become dots, then more dots are flagged, then before you know it you are connecting enough dots that a trail begins to take shape.

The western view just prior to the final scramble to the ridge. 

The exploring is not easy, there is always a lot falling, time being lost, time crawling on the ground hoping most of mother nature is away sleeping for the winter.  Does it sounds like fun? Well come join my sometime, I always enjoy the company in the woods!

Want to see where I was exploring...here is my Strava route.

The fruit crawling in the woods,

Thomas

The Eastern View once reaching the ridge trail. 

The existing ridge trail about 1.5 miles south of the overlook. 

Changing bigger tires and tubes.

Got me a new front tire tube and brake pads for the big bike. Early morning install taking place below.

Where two rivers and three states meet.

Harper Ferry, West Virginia became one of my must-visit attractions since I have always drove by the old historic river town for many years. My best friend and I decided to visit the town on the way home from Fredrick, Maryland where we had a wedding to attend a few weeks ago.   Finally, I got to see it! As soon as we walked into the town, we instantly felt as if we were exiting a time machine and were now in the Civil War era. I was in awe of how they preserved the whole town. In the photo, where I stood is in West Virginia, the left rocky hill is in Maryland, and the right hill is in Virginia. Also, you can see the Potomac River and there is the Shenandoah River under the train bridge goes thru the cave on the left. It is definitely a worth visit. - Jeremy

Remembering a friend.

The new sign at the top of Lairds Nose.

A lot folks did not know Leighton Shank. But if you have been involved in the local bike community, then he probably touched your life with out you knowing. Leighton was the Shenandoah Mountain Bike Club's (SMBC) computer guy  in the early 2000's, when finding a cyclist and a knowledgeable computer person was not so easy. This was prior to the SMBC and Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Club forming today's Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition (SVBC). He create the logo for the Tour de Burg  and the website for SMBC, along with many other great local bike touches. At the time Leighton worked at SOS advertising, using his job connections to bring fun logo products to cycling community. Many of the older Tour de Burg and Festival items (tee shirts, hats, etc) came from late night session at SOS advertising.

One of the best views around!

In the early 2000's, when we started running with trail work Thursdays at Massanutten, Leighton was always making sure he got off work early so he could make it to the nut. He loved drinking his post trail work Yuegling Larger and Mountain Dew as much, if not more, than building the trails. It was during these post  trail work hang out times, on the tail gate of big red, that I got to know Leighton.

When Leighton left the Valley and moved back to hometown of Richmond he continued to stay connected to the bike scene. He was always a quick phone call or email away to help with computer needs or friendly advice.  Last year when a job opportunity opened for Leighton at JMU he made his way back to the Valley, this time with wife and son in tow. It did not take long for Leighton to find his usual trail work tool and head back to the nut on Thursday nights.  He also picked up where her left off and immediately devoted hours behind the computer scene making the back end of SVBC run smoothly.

The shot glass for Tour de Burg carbombs!

On October 10th Leighton passed away and left a big hole in many hearts and big hole in the SVBC community.  The last Thursday trail work before he passed away we spent a beautiful evening building what has become Leighton's Overlook, I encourage you to take ride or a hike and check out one of the best overlooks around. Maybe give a shout out to Leighton, I think he will hear you!

Here is a Dew & Yuegling for you my friend.
Your missed by many!

Your friend,
Thomas.

Don't Get Cabin Fever

 Don't think that since winter is coming upon us, that there is not going to be some SBC fun.  Our winter schedule is packed full of clinics, holiday parades and clearance sales!

 Have you ever wanted to learn more about your bike? Well instead of staying cooped up and getting cabin fever this winter, come to our clinics! Starting November 5 we are teaching a Basic Routine Bike Maintainance class. All clinics are Free! Participants should bring their own bike so they can learn how to work on it with SBC mechanics. In the photo above, a list of the other clinics. Also, there will be snacks and refreshments. Can't beat that!

That is right folks. Take some advice from Calvin's dad. The more we get out and bike and stay active during the fall and winter months.  The more our bodies and minds will thank us.   

Fall Time is the Best Time

Reconnecting with nature can be as rejuvenating as jumping in a nice cool swimming pool.  We decided to take an adventure to the Shenandoah National Park this weekend, so we can re-establish that connection.  There is nothing better than taking a beautiful hike with the moderate temperatures and the colorful foliage.  Kevin and I decided to camp out at Lewis Mountain Campgrounds.  It was our first time staying at a campsite with running water and indoor plumbing. The campground was small and far enough away from the busyness that this time of year brings, which is exactly what we wanted.  It was a chance for us to get away and enjoy what nature had to offer.  

 Pictures do not do the mountain's color justice.  I could not take my eyes away from the roaring colors coming from the hundreds of different species of trees.

 Blue is Kevin and I's full of life and vibrant hound dog.  It was his first over night camping experience in a tent.  Though he woke me up with his kisses 2 hours before I was ready to get up, he was a trooper.  We can't wait to take him on more trips.

The view on the trails looked like something from a movie. 

 It has been over six years since I have hiked on the Appalachian Trail.  It felt so nice to be back.  The views never disappoint. Blue was enjoying all the new scents and sights on the trail as well.

On Sunday we made a stop at one of the overlooks.  The morning mist and fog gave the mountains this mystical feel.  It was a great morning to meditate and enjoy the scenery before heading back to the city.